Mika Waltari exhibition in Alexandria

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Finnish writer Mika Waltari (1908 - 1979), the author of the world-famous novel The Egyptian, never visited Egypt in his life. However, an extensive exhibition of his life and work has opened at the new library of Alexandria.
      A seminar held at the opening of the exhibition, Mika Waltari: The Human Voice, brought forward views of Finnish and Egyptian experts on the importance of Waltari’s works.
      The exhibition draws a picture of a humble, prolific, and versatile Finnish author, whose works have been translated into more than 30 languages. The key theme of the exhibition in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria is The Egyptian, Waltari’s most internationally famous novel, which was published in 1945.
      In addition to being a historical novel, Waltari’s main work is a picaresque novel and an adventure story.
      The book also became an international best seller, and a Hollywood film version of it was released in 1954.
     
Experts at the opening seminar of the exhibition expressed wonder at the fact that Waltari was able to give such a vivid depiction of everyday life of ancient Egypt on the basis of literature, museums, and his own imagination.
      "Waltari, who had lost his heart to the mysteries of the Egypt of the pharaohs already when he was a schoolboy, was afraid that becoming acquainted with modern Egypt would shatter the images in his mind", said one of the speakers at the seminar, Professor Panu Rajala, in his presentation on Waltari’s relations with the Byzantine world.
      Rajala also pondered the secret of Waltari’s international success.
      "In his historical works Waltari sought not only to enliven history, he also wanted to depict the modern day in light of analogies taken from historical events. Especially the shock of the two world wars can be seen in Waltari’s production, whose central themes are humanity, tolerance, and beautiful vanity."
     
The secret of the popularity of Waltari’s works, which transcends generational and cultural boundaries, can be seen in the links between the basic themes of the books with the universal core of humanity.
      Rajala feels that the exhibition, sponsored by the Finnish Literature Society and WSOY Publishers, is a good international opening for the centenary of Waltari’s birth in 2008.
      The Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers an excellent setting for the message of tolerance and humanity evident in the Waltari exhibition.
      Like its ancient forbearer, the Museion science centre, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is much more than a library. The compound, funded by UNESCO and numerous states, contains several libraries, as well as museums, a planetarium, and exhibition and conference facilities.


Links:
  Short literary biography of Mika Waltari

Helsingin Sanomat